Chapter 208

Madison

“Well,” Sophia broke the tension, “that was a ringing endorsement.”

“Does he always just appear like that?” Ryan asked. “Like some kind of corporate Batman?”

I couldn’t help laughing. “Pretty much.”

The mood lightened again as everyone returned to their conversations. I moved around the room, speaking briefly with each team member, getting a sense of their personalities beyond their professional roles.

Olivia pulled me aside near the pastry table. “Fair warning: Victor Harmon is going to test you at every turn. He thinks he should be running this project.”

“Thanks for the heads-up.” I selected a chocolate croissant. “Any other office politics I should know about?”

“Rachel and Joseph dated briefly last year. It ended badly. Try not to put them on the same task forces if you can help it.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Noted.”

“And Lucas talks tough, but he’s actually got the best contacts in construction. Keep him happy.”